Principal Teruyoshi Fujiwara Appointed as Advisor to Tankyu Acceleration Organization; Aims to Train 100,000 Exploratory Navigators with Leading Education Experts

Seifukan High School (Campuses: Akashi City and Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture; Representative: Taisei Okauchi; hereinafter "Seifukan") announces that its Principal, Teruyoshi Fujiwara, has been appointed as an Advisor to the Tankyu Acceleration Organization (Location: Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture), a general incorporated association established in April 2026.

The organization brings together leading figures in the Japanese education sector as Advisors, including former Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Kan Suzuki, Keio University Professor Emeritus Shigenori Tanaka, and NPO Learning Science Association Representative Director Masato Homma. Seifukan, in collaboration with these top-tier experts, will promote the spread of the "Exploratory Navigator Course" targeted at parents and educators, driving the construction of an inquiry-based education infrastructure in Japan.

■ A Shortage of Supporters in a Time of Educational Transformation

According to the latest MEXT survey, the number of truant elementary and junior high school students has reached a record high of 353,970, increasing for the 12th consecutive year (announced in October 2025). With the rapid spread of AI shaking the foundation of "what and how to learn," a growing number of parents and teachers are expressing concerns, saying they "don't know how to interact with children."

In response to this situation, researchers and practitioners at the forefront of inquiry-based learning gathered to establish the Tankyu Acceleration Organization (TAO) in April 2026.

■ Background of Participation: Why Seifukan is Partnering with the Tankyu Acceleration Organization Now

Amidst drastic changes in the educational environment, including the rapid spread of AI and the increase in truant students, there is an urgent need to re-examine "what and how to learn." Since its opening, Seifukan has implemented inquiry-based learning centered on the independence of each student.

Agreeing with the philosophy of the "Tankyu Acceleration Organization," which brings together top educational leaders including Representative Director Toshiki Sumitani (President of Kobe Institute of Computing), Seifukan's Principal Fujiwara has joined as an Advisor. Utilizing practical knowledge from the field, he will support the training of "Navigators" who unleash children's curiosity.

■ Comment from Teruyoshi Fujiwara, Principal of Seifukan High School

"Since the opening of Seifukan High School, we have practiced education that draws out the individuality of each student and fosters independence. Through this, we have keenly felt that to maximize children's potential, the 'navigation (method of interaction)' by the adults around them is more important than anything else.

As Japanese education faces a major turning point, I am highly honored to share the ambition of training 100,000 navigators together with leading figures in the education world, starting with Representative Director Sumitani. Through my participation in this organization, I intend to give back to society the practical knowledge gained in schools and contribute to realizing an educational environment where everyone can learn and take on challenges in their own unique way."

■ Exploratory Navigator Certification Course (Starting from the "Introductory Volume" on June 15)

The Exploratory Navigator Certification Course consists of four volumes, from the Introductory volume to the Trainer volume. The Introductory volume, handled by TAO Director Kunihiko Yahagi, will start on June 15, 2026, comprising 10 on-demand sessions.

Overview of the "Exploratory Navigator Certification Course"

Name
Exploratory Navigator Certification Course

Target Audience
Parents, educators, and anyone interested in children's independence and inquiry-based learning.

Launch Date
June 15, 2026 (Releasing sequentially from the Introductory volume / Reservations open)

Structure
[Introductory Volume] 10 videos + quiz (¥14,800 incl. tax / Reservation price ¥9,800) Handled by: Director Kunihiko Yahagi
[Basic Volume] Preliminary videos + 6 sessions (¥39,800 incl. tax) Handled by: Representative Director Toshiki Sumitani
[Advanced Volume] Recruiting planned for 2027 / Handled by: Advisor Shigenori Tanaka, Director Masato Oda
[Trainer Volume] Targeted at graduates of the Introductory, Basic, and Advanced volumes; recruiting planned for 2027
All volumes are supervised by the Tankyu Acceleration Organization and provided as a curriculum with a consistent knowledge system.

Format
Introductory Volume: On-demand videos + quiz
Basic Volume: Online real-time participatory sessions (In-person sessions also under preparation)

Free Release
A portion of the first session of the Introductory Volume is currently available for free on the website.

Certification
Digital certificates issued to graduates.

Course Website
https://tankyu.jp/course (Introductory volume reservation page)

■ Bringing "Exploratory Navigators" to All Corners of Society

As a precursor to the "Exploratory Navigator Certification Course" now being deployed by TAO, there is the "Exploratory Navi Course," which Representative Director Toshiki Sumitani has managed for many years. Advocating a "third education" that is neither micromanagement nor neglect, Sumitani has continued to practice educational approaches that draw out human potential through the operation of the Learnnet Global School, founded in 1996. Desiring to further increase the number of learning companions, he established TAO. The "Exploratory Navi Course" will henceforth be positioned as the "Exploratory Navigator Certification Course Basic Volume" and will evolve more systematically.

Organization Overview
Name: Tankyu Acceleration Organization (TAO), General Incorporated Association